Buying and running a farm at 23 years old is a young farmer’s dream – one that was reality for Ewen Macmillan, Lurg, Fintry. Seventeen years on he is a well respected Blackface Breeder, one of the leading lights, commanding impressive prices for both breeding males and females, in an industry, which is, by no means, the easiest to crack.
Farming in the National Park just above Keswick in the Lake District, Will Cockbain has seen many changes over the years. “There are less sheep on the hills due to Agri-enviromental Agreements. Initially the stock did better, but now sheep numbers are too low in some areas and vegetation is too long. Sheep are the losing the immunity to ticks and such like.
The meeting commenced with an update of what has occurred on the farm since the last meeting. During June there had been very little rainfall and the farm was looking very short of grass. The decision to start feeding store cattle at grass was almost taken in late June although they always had enough grass in front of them and performance seemed good.
When was the last time someone that asked how you were? What was the reply? 'Fine'? 'Alright'? Perhaps 'great thanks, yourself?'. Did you stop, really stop to think about the question before you answered or did you just give the obligatory response and quickly deflect the question back to the originator?
Russia has suffered a savage cut of one-third in its 2010 grain production, expected to be down to 65 million tonnes from a forecast 95 million tonnes. Wheat is down 27% to 45 million tonnes, most of which will now be required at home for human and livestock consumption.
With a government keen on increasing recycling rates, there is an increasing tonnage of compost available but there is also a reluctance by the farming industry to be seen as providing a ready unquestioning home for this material.
The annual Scottish Ploughing championships take place on October 23rd and 24th at Upper Nisbet, Jedburgh by permission of Robert Neill and Partners. This year Scotland is proud to host the European Vintage Competition and the Five Nations Match. Visiting competitors and spectators will get the chance to visit one of Scotland's most beautiful areas, where high standards of agricultural husbandry and visitor attractions will be on show.
A week with a JCB Groundhog 4x4 on farm, I must admit was fun and enjoyable.
With two very comfortable seats, it meant we could travel as a couple in total comfort round the hill parks, to check the newly arrived summer grazing cattle and their calves.
Colin Marr runs Cultercullen Farm near Udny Station with his wife Carol. Recently sons Nicholas and Gavin have become partners in the business after completing their respective studies. Colin is keen to invest in the future of the business, which began when his grandfather took over, what was then a tenanted farm in the 1930s, taking an already established dairy with him from another farm in the area.
Taking someone on.
Long ago that was a handshake and a nod. No-one else involved and an understanding both boss and man could walk apart and that was that.
In many respects it worked. Paperwork was non-existent and the look in both men’s eyes – all they needed to know if the deal struck, was going to work.
